Helen Burgess: Visionary Who Put Total in Health Care

By Zaina Adamu In 1968, one woman noticed a need for health awareness in the community. She envisioned a place where city residents could visit for medical and support services. She eventually became the visionary behind Total Health Care, Inc., a federally qualified health center in Baltimore. Helen Burgess, 77, board chairman of THC, has watched her dream flourish from one small church building in the inner-city to an inclusive healthcare provider boasting eight centers throughout Baltimore. I get so excited when I think about the people we help, said Burgess. It has been such a blessing to do what we do. Burgess never intended on being in the medical field before THCs opening in the 60s. Instead, her primary goal was to provide community residents with a comfortable living atmosphere. Prior to her Helen Burgess, board chairman, Total Health Care is totally 40-year run with the center, she was chairperson for surprised by the news that one of the centers will be renamed the Tenant Council at her residence in George B. for her. Total Health Care president Dennis Cherot supports Murphy Housing Projects. A Provident Hospital Mrs. Burgess as she hears the news. Photos: Glenwood Jackson workernow Liberty Medical Centeroffered the mother of nine the chance to open a health care center which she graciously accepted. We immediately got people in the community fully trained to work in the center, she said. We were able to help out in the community and get them jobs as well. Total Health Care specializes in healthcare for patients from newborns to seniors. The center covers a host of services including primary care, vision, dental and mental health. The center also has an outreach program for residents who suffer from drug and alcohol addiction. THC is funded through local, state and federal agencies, as well as community grants. We offer high quality, excellent health care. said Dr. Jacqueline Fulton, pediatrician for Total Health Care for 25 years. We plan to always be on the cutting edge in medicine. Director of Planning, Special Programs and Ad- LaRian Finney, CEO, VMG braces Mrs. Burgess as she is preministration, Victoria A. Wynn enjoys her role at sented with a diamond necklace from her staff. Another total THC, partly due to Burgess presence. She takes surprise! great pride and respect for her employees, she said. She is a strong advocate of THC and she puts her heart, body and soul into it. You dont see many people who really work for peoples needs. Similarly, it is the employees, says Burgess, who make THC successful. Our staff cares for our patients, she said. Its amazing to see the transformation of our patients when they leave our centers because of our wonderful team. On Friday, October 9, 2009, THC employees and notable public figures showed their appreciation for Burgess when they announced that they would rename one of its centers after the visionary during a 40th anniversary gala at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront. The Helen Burgess Medical Facility, located inside Mondawmin Mall in West Baltimore, is only one of four centers equipped with pharmacy services. She deserves it. She shows a lot of care to patients, said Certified Medical Assistant Patricia Robinson who has been with THC for 21 years. The event, which was a complete surprise to Burgess, also acknowledged her conception of the THC scholarship fund for prospective health care professionals. Radio One Founder Kathy Hughes matched the total amount of the scholarship bringing it to $20,000. Larry Young, WOLB 1010 AM Radio One talk show host was Master of Ceremonies. THC on Division Street is named The Larry Young Divison Health Center. Special appearances by Cher, Joan Rivers and Barack and Michelle Obama impersonators added to the events memorable moments. It was so overwhelming for me, Burgess said, but paused to conclude that her dedication is not in vain. I just want us to continue doing what were doing in the community. We always want to be prepared for whats next and expand where there is need.

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The Baltimore Times, October 23 - 29, 2009 (www.baltimoretimesonline.com)

Positive stories about positive people!

Totally Star-Studded Gala

Positive stories about positive people!

The Baltimore Times, October 23- 29 2009 (www.baltimoretimesonline.com)

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